Doctor struck off after professional negligence claims

Published on 25 Jun 2010 under category: legal

A British doctor has been struck off after he was found guilty of violating the rights of the terminally ill.

Dr Howard Martin, 75, was originally accused of professional negligence after the deaths of three patients, including his own son.

Last week, the General Medical Council (GMC) concluded that his treatment of some of the patients was completely unacceptable.

The doctor explained in an interview with The Telegraph that he believed that he had acted out of discretion in two cases, where the victims' deaths were induced by fatal injections.

"I don't believe I've killed any patients. I believe I've made them comfortable in their hour of need.

"But I am deemed to be arrogant because I used my discretion."

He was unapologetic for his actions after having been cleared of behaving negligently by the GMC.

His comments have prompted Durham Police to consider whether this is further evidence for another investigation into his conduct.

The case could give rise to more claims for professional negligence in the future.

If you require advice on Professional Negligence please call us on +44 (0)20 7831 0101 and ask for Peter Mellett.